Approaching Wrightsville Beach

If you love veal that’s so tender you don’t need a knife to cut it and if you appreciate great, creamy risotto that’s cooked to order, you have to make your way to Rafaella, located at 6722 Wrightsville Avenue just off Oleander Drive. The building is beautiful, the wine list is comprehensive, the service is professional, the prices affordable and the food is delicious. The owners of Rafaella had a successful place of the same name in Greenwich Village and know the importance of using the freshest ingredients to prepare flavorful dishes. Be sure to try the Baked Oysters Rafaella appetizer or any of the delicious soups. You can have dessert without feeling guilty also – the fresh sorbet is outstanding. If it’s chocolate you crave, you’ll have a choice of several fine confections. Rafaella is open for lunch Monday through Friday and is open nightly for dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. with $3.50 Bloody Mary’s or Mimosas offered after noon.

At Lumina Station

Two popular eateries in Lumina Station owned by local restaurateur Ash Aziz belong on your dining list. Max’s Prime Steakhouse, with its solid, comfortable 20th century décor, reminds us of those great traditional New York or Chicago steak houses that have remained favorites over the years. When you’re longing for a truly fine, mouth-watering steak or cut of prime rib, this is the place for you. Not a beef eater? Max’s fresh seafood entrees, organic chicken or pork chops are superb, too. Complement your meal with crisp onion strings, a loaded baked potato, hearty salad or other “accessories.” Open nightly for dinner, Max’s also has an inviting bar that’s a great place to stop for an after-work drink or late night sandwich.

On the informal side with a French flair, Brasserie du Soleil (Eatery of the Sun) serves both lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and dinner on Sunday. There hungry shoppers and Red Hat ladies enjoy midday repasts selected from a delightful array of sandwiches, crepes, soups, and - best of all - Brasserie salads made to order from a selection of more than 30 fresh ingredients. The dinner menu starts with delectable offerings from the raw bar and appetizers. Entrees and daily specials feature beef and seafood cooked to perfection. The dessert tray defies resistance.

A bit farther up Eastwood Road toward Wrightsville Beach is Boca Bay, another in the Aziz family of restaurants. Good food at reasonable prices, a somewhat unusual menu, and relaxing surroundings make Boca Bay special. Appetizers such as crab dip served with toasted baguettes or a potato, mushroom and goat cheese tart are popular. There are several salads and main courses such as pecan fried flounder or shrimp & grits. A tapas menu is available too with cheeses, small plates of vegetables, hummus, or bruschetta featured. Boca Bay is open for dinner from 5 p.m. every day and for Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.